Dr. Armando Giuliano on the Science of Surviving Breast Cancer: Part One

In this two-part episode of SHE MD, we sit down with Dr. Armando Giuliano, a surgical oncology specialist with over 50 years of experience in the medical field whose innovative work has transformed how breast cancer is treated worldwide. Known as an absolute rock star in the breast cancer community, Dr. Giuliano, together with our co-host Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, walks us through what it really means to face and fight breast cancer head-on. As the regional medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Breast Oncology Program and a pioneer of procedures like the sentinel lymph node biopsy, Dr. Giuliano dives into the intricacies of breast cancer screening, staging, and early detection. Dr. Aliabadi brings a deeply personal angle to the conversation, having turned to Dr. Giuliano for her second double mastectomy after a previous operation failed to remove all her cancerous breast tissue. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on overcoming breast cancer, the advances in medical science that are making a difference, and the unmatched value of compassionate care. This episode is an essential listen for anyone affected by breast cancer.

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Armando E. Giuliano, MD, has been a clinician-researcher for over 40 years. The main focus of his clinical research continues to be management of early breast cancer and quality of life of breast cancer patients. He served for five years as chairman of the Breast Organ Site Committee of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group and was study chair for the sentinel node Z0010 and Z0011 studies which led to significant changes to the standard of care for patients with early breast cancer.

Dr. Giuliano was previously a principal investigator for the NSABP and contributed to the first lumpectomy study and to Alliance studies. He was a pioneer in sentinel node biopsy. This procedure has enabled early-stage breast cancer patients to avoid having more extensive surgery and reduces the incidence of complications such as lymphedema and shoulder problems. Giuliano also participates in translational research, merging what is learned in the clinic with knowledge gained in the laboratory.

Dr. A’s Breast Cancer Takeaways

Know your lifetime risk of breast cancer. Use our lifetime risk calculator to assess your risk. Coming soon!
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If your lifetime for breast cancer risk is average (around 12.5%) start yearly breast imaging with mammograms at age 40. Dense breast tissue can make abnormal findings hard to see on a mammogram. If you have dense breasts, ask your doctor to order a bilateral breast screening ultrasound.
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If you fall into the intermediate category (15-20%), start imaging at age 40 with a mammogram. Add a breast ultrasound if you have dense breasts, and add a bilateral breast MRI every few years just to be safe.
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If you fall into the high-risk category (20% or more), start breast imaging as early as 30. You can alternate mammograms and ultrasounds every six months with a breast MRI.
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If you have a family history of breast cancer, get a genetic cancer test. Women with certain gene mutations like the gene change have a greatly increased risk of breast cancer, as well as an increased risk of ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and possibly some other cancers. These tests are almost always covered by insurance.

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Dr. Armando Giuliano on the Science of Surviving Breast Cancer: Part One

About the Guest

Dr. A’s Breast Cancer Takeaways